Arab M * ¹ (PhD), Zarei A¹ (MSc), Rahimi A² (PhD), Rezaiean F³ (MSc), Akbari F¹ (PhD)

  ¹ Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health,

  Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

  ² Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health,

  Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

  ³ Health Center of Poldokhtar, Lorestan Province, Iran

  Received: 10 Oct 2009, Accepted: 5 Jan 2010

  Abstract

Introduction: Nowadays length of stay (LOS) is an important measure that is widely used in hospitals to assess use of hospital services and efficiency and performance of hospital activities. The aim of this study is to analyze factors affecting LOS in public hospitals in Lorestan province, Iran.

Methods: The type of this study is descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional which was done in 2006. Subjects are inpatient’s medical records (662 cases) which were selected by randomized sampling. T-test, One-way ANOVA and multifactor regression were used for the analysis.

Results: Average length of stay in public hospitals of Lorestan province in 2006 was 3.03 ) SD= 4.34) days. Factors such as gender, age, marital status, residence, job, referral type, type of insurance, type of disease, and discharge status have effect on average length of stay. By increasing of age, average LOS is increased. The average LOS in men is longer than women.

Conclusion: With analysis of average LOS indicator in hospitals, we can achieve the aim of better allocation of resources and hospital beds and optimizing productivity of the existing beds. According to the findings of this study, it is recommended to take measures to reduce the hospitalization of elderly patients through development of home care and nursing homes. Establishing referral system and family physician system in the cities will help in faster diagnosis, reduction in treatment duration and unnecessary hospital stays.

Key words: Length of stay, Hospitals, Lorestan Province, Iran

  Hakim Research Journal 2010 12(4): 27- 32.

  * Corresponding Author: Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Poursina Ave. Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, Iran. Tel:+98- 21- 88989129 , Fax: +98- 21- 88989129,
Email: Arabmoha@Tums.ac.ir